Compare Best of Rome in 7 Days Tour by Rick Steves vs Italy in 9 days - Ancient Rome, Cathedrals & Canals - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1: Welcome to Rome

Let's get together at our hotel for a meeting at 3 p.m. this afternoon. After an orientation walk through our neighborhood, we'll get oriented to Rome's efficient metro system and then enjoy an "Am-I-really-here?" dolce vita stroll through the heart of Rome, soaking up the city's evening ambience at the classy Piazza Navona and the remarkably preserved, 2,000-year-old Pantheon. Our day will end with a chance to get acquainted during a "Welcome to Rome" dinner together. Walking: moderate.

Day 2: Ancient Rome

After breakfast we'll ride the metro back in time to Ancient Rome. We'll arrive at multilayered San Clemente — a 12th-century church sitting atop a 4th-century basilica and a previous Roman temple. Then we'll tour and hear vivid tales of the larger-than-life Colosseum. After a break for lunch, we'll tour Ancient Rome's birthplace: the Forum. You'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to wander through the nearby Palatine ruins, see Michelangelo's Moses at St. Peter-in-Chains Church or climb to the top of the Victor Emmanuel Monument to enjoy the city view (don't forget to savor a foamy cappuccino in between). Walking: strenuous.

Day 3: Neighborhood Rome

This morning we'll take a more intimate look at Rome, with a Vespa-dodging walking tour through our guide's favorite neighborhood. Then we'll eat our way through Rome's Trastevere neighborhood, learning about the tradition of Italian cuisine from the generations of families producing these tasty Roman specialties. Treats will include (but are not limited to) porchetta, pizza, and parmigiano. Afterward you have a free evening to make your own neighborhood discoveries. Walking: moderate.

Day 4: St. Peter's and the Vatican Museums

Today we'll focus on Renaissance Rome. We'll meet our local expert on the other side of the Tiber River and take a guided tour of the sprawling Vatican Museums, where you'll see an endless collection of treasures as you make your way to one of the world's most famous works of art: Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. We'll continue on to the greatest church in Christendom, the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica. Your afternoon is free to wander through this immense church, climb the dome if you're feeling energetic, and explore more of the Eternal City on your own. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 5: Day Trip to Ostia Antica

Today we'll venture outside the city, touring the ruins of Rome's first colony, Ostia Antica, the ancient seaport which connected Rome to its ever-expanding Mediterranean empire. Unlike Rome's politically oriented Forum, our walk through Ostia gives us a chance to envision the daily lives of merchants and craftsmen, and appreciate beautifully preserved mosaics. As we head back to Rome, we'll take a panoramic bus tour as we continue to peel away the jumbled layers of this fascinating city, learning about Rome as Italy's political capital, the capital of Catholicism, and the center of the ancient world. On the way, we'll continue down the ancient "Queen of Roads," the Appian Way, stopping to tour the eerie Catacombs of San Sebastiano. Arriving back in our Rome neighborhood, you'll be free for dinner on your own. Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 6: Rome's Baroque Treasures

We'll begin with a guided tour of sheer beauty in the Borghese Gallery. Bernini's most graceful and lifelike sculptures reside here — his athletic David and delicate Apollo and Daphne — as well as masterpieces by Canova, Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael. Your afternoon is free to relax in the surrounding park, ramble through more of Rome, or do some last-minute shopping. Tonight we'll have one last dinner together to share travel memories and toast new friends. Salute! Walking: moderate.

Day 7: Tour Over After Breakfast

Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. We'll say our final farewells and head for home — or further adventures in Italia. Arrivederci, Roma!

Day 1: US - Night on board

Pack your bags and head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to the eternal city of Rome.* Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Rome

Arrive in Rome, the Italian capital, and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is free to begin exploring this romantic, historic city. The evening is the most magical time of day in Rome when the streets take on an even more charming character. Overnight stay in Rome.

Day 3: Rome

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a guided visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, three of the main archaeological sites of the Eternal City. Learn about the history of this empire, from its birth to the gladiatorial fights in the Colosseum, and appreciate the preserved corners of ancient Rome in the Forum and the Palatine Hill. We recommend the optional Piazzas and Fountains of Rome excursion.* The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the historic streets of Rome and dine on delicious Italian cuisine!** Overnight stay in Rome. * Optional Piazzas & Fountains of Rome Excursion: Take a pleasant walk through the artistic heart of Rome to visit its most symbolic piazzas and fountains! Visit Piazza Navona, the most elegant of all Rome squares and home to Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain. See the Church of San Luigi, the incredible Pantheon and the legendary Trevi Fountain, an icon of the city. Finally, pay a visit to the famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, the most photogenic spot in the city! ** Optional Authentic Italian meal at a restaurant in Campo Di Fiori: Enjoy an evening of authentic Italian cuisine in beautiful Campo Di Fiori Square, nestled in the heart of historic Rome. Soak up the atmosphere as you indulge in Italian dishes at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Rome

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at your leisure in Rome. Perhaps visit the Vatican, trace the footsteps of the greats in the ancient streets of the old city or simply indulge in some delicious Italian ice cream. However you choose to spend your day, Rome is sure to delight you with its old-world charm and unbeatable sights. We suggest taking the optional Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel*. Overnight stay in Rome. * Optional Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel: Explore the priceless treasures held within the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel! Visit the Pio Clementino Hall, Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere, Maps Gallery, Candelabra Gallery, Tapestries Gallery and the incredible Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, discover the incredible St. Peter’s Basilica and the atmospheric St. Peter’s Square, dominated by Michelangelo’s imposing Cupola! Please note: Optional tour available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only. Why not upgrade your trip with our Must See's of Italy package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Day 5: Rome - Florence

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, meet your transfer and head to the train station to catch the Frecciarossa high-speed train to Florence. Arrive in Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance, and self-transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city and keep enjoying the Italian cuisine in this gourmet paradise. Overnight stay in Florence.

Day 6: Florence

Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to the Historic Centre of Florence for a guided walking tour of Florence and discover the hidden secrets of the Tuscan capital. Start discovering Piazza Repubblica, one of the fanciest of the city, before heading to Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, a building where a local market takes place. Keep exploring the streets of Florence before arriving at the beautiful and well-known Ponte Vecchio, the most iconic bridge in the city and one of its main symbols. You will then walk through the Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Medieval Florence with the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. End the tour admiring Piazza San Giovanni, home to the impressive Florence Cathedral, with its iconic Brunelleschi cupola and the famous Giotto Belltower. Rest of the day at your leisure to continue exploring the captivating sights of Florence. Overnight stay in Florence.

Day 7: Florence

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at your leisure to enjoy your last day in the city. Florence's historical centre is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so why not take a stroll on your own to discover its hidden treasures. Overnight stay in Florence. * Optional Half-Day Tour to Pisa & The Leaning Tower: No trip to Italy is complete without a photo at the iconic leaning tower, so don't miss your chance to take a day trip to Pisa! Enjoy a guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli and its monuments and visit the spectacular Pisa Cathedral before spending time at the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa, learning all about the history of this University city along the way.

Day 8: Florence - Venice

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer to the station to catch the Frecciarossa high-speed train to Venice (Mestre Station). Arrive in the romantic city of Venice, self-transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Built across more than 100 small islands, Venice is a pleasure to explore on foot as you get lost in the labyrinthine streets, stumbling across hidden cafes and cultural gems along the way. Get out and discover the plentiful delights on this eternal city, such as the immense Piazza San Marco. Overnight stay in Venice.

Day 9: Venice

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a guided walking tour through Venice, through the fascinating streets and across the canals; a crossroads of culture where East meets West. Admire the Basilica and Piazza of San Marco next to Gothic-style Doge's Palace, the Campanile and the Clock Tower stand. Soak up the lively atmosphere of the Campo, a bustling square next to the Church of Santa Maria. Continue to marvel at the grand Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo, uncover legendary tales of Marco Polo and finally return to St. Mark’s Square by strolling through the main Venetian shopping street, the Mercerie, and immerse yourself in the historic buzz of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure to continue discovering this unique city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Venice. *Optional Gondola Ride Experience: One of the most famous characteristics of Venice is its historic gondolas and now you can be a part of this legacy yourself! Experience an unforgettable 35-minute gondola ride through the charming waterways of Venice including the iconic Grand Canal. The quintessential Venetian experience! Note: Please note that it is a shared gondola (up to five people for each one) so you might have to share it with other people. Why not upgrade your trip with our Must see`s of Italy package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Day 10: Venice - US

Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer by car from Venice Mestre to the airport for your return flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 11 days.